The Man Who

Depressing? The album as a whole? I cannot think of a less fitting summation. Why is it that suddenly any song that is less than a headlong rush to the final bar is now depressing? Rather, the slower songs on this album are in turns wistful, autumnal, regretful, and accepting -- but, lest this dissuade potential buyers, let me say that this is only in contrast to the interspersed up tempo tracks.

We begin with Writing To Reach You, considered by some to be the strongest track. It certainly has a lot to offer, and may have contributed to the expectations of some who expect all tracks on an album to follow a pattern set by the first track.

Continue with The Fear, probably the best track in terms of lyrics (though some would contest that assertion with either Slide Show or Blue Flashing Light (of which more anon)). It may the least romantic love song I have ever heard.

Next comes As You Are, a song which for much of its length deserves the appelation 'filler.' But then it kicks into life, and redeems itself. Still strong lyrically (as all the songs are).

Then most people's favourite, Driftwood. We have gone from high-ish tempo, to medium, to medium-quick, to upbeat, and the contrast makes Driftwood stand out even more. Superb song.

Now my favourite, The Last Laugh of the Laughter. Far too rarely do we hear piano on indie tracks, and this use of it is so subtly mixed with the guitar that it's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. Perfect word-setting, marvelous melody and harmonies.

The glorious Turn is next, about which nothing really needs to be said. Brilliance shines out of this track like the sun, and like the sun, the track provides some contrast between Last Laugh and the next song, Why Does It Always Rain On Me.

WDIAROM is a classic track (though overplayed on the radio, IMO), and is probably the closest of all the tracks to the appellation 'depressing.' It seems to unselfconsciously wallow in its self-pity -- and yet curiously, does not outstay its welcome. The sheer perfection of the word-setting is probably the reason. For those who complain that all the non-release tracks are depressing, take the time to actually _listen_ to this one!

Next is Luv, and, while slow, is quite forward-looking. This is the song I would call wistful.

She's So Strange has garnered varying reactions from listeners. I must admit, it's the track I skip over most often, but still worth a listen. I think someone else hit the nail on the head with 'weird.' But, hey, 'strange' = 'weird'.

Then Slide Show. I am a sucker for solo 'cello, and in this track, it's used so well that even without lyrics this would be a contender for best track. Add in some of the most thoughtful lyrics on the album, and you have the perfect song to end the album.

But wait! We're not finished? Wait a while, and the hidden track reveals a side to Travis not heretofore seen in any of the other songs on the album. No, this is much harsher, more gritty -- dare I say it, more Scottish -- than the rest, and shows that while they may have grown up, there is still an element of 'Let's see what we can get away with.' Blue Flashing Light is probably my favourite track after Last Laugh.

And there you have it. Peaks and troughs of tempo, thoughtfulness, and sheer _joie de vivre_. A balanced album, in every sense of the word.

The album sets off from the docks with the ever familiar 'Writing to Reach You' and is arguably the best song Travis have released since the anthemic 'All I Wanna Do Is Rock' from the highly commendable 'Good Feeling.' By the time 'The Fear' arrives, the sails are flapping and the boat is well on its way.

Half the beauty of the record is the lyrics, as personal and heartfelt as the music. Fran's sincerity brings a sense of poetic justice to his words. Despite the balladic mood of the album, there is only one apparent love song entitled 'Luv,' ironically, which contains the sweet caresses of a slurring harmonica and echoed shakes of the tambourine whilst Healy quietly enquires; "What's so wrong?/Why the face so long?/Is it over?"

'The Man Who' is a floating ride in peace and tranquillity and drifts slowly down the river like a feather on the wind, affectionately rocking its way back to the harbour on a sea of acoustic guitars and a breeze of lyrical genius. Travis at their finest.